Rays Vs. Indians: Hellickson Looks To Shake Slump On Thursday

With wins in two of three games against the Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays inched a game closer to the top of the AL East. They'll look for another series win when they face off against the hot Cleveland Indians in the final series for the Rays before the All-Star break.

In the Thursday's opener of the four-game series, the Rays will rely on Jeremy Hellickson to slow the streaking Indians offense. After starting the season undefeated through his first eight starts, Hellickson hasn't won a start since his victory over the Red Sox on May 16. He has lost his last two starts including a three-home run, eight earned runs disaster of a start on June 14 against the Mets.

On the opposing mound will be Josh Tomlin, who has had some struggles of his own, but won in his last start on Saturday. Had it not been for an 11-run performance from the Indians offense though, Tomlin may not have been as fortunate after giving up five earned runs and seven hits in six innings.

The first pitch at Progressive Field will be thrown at 7:05 p.m. and will be televised on Sun Sports and STO Network.

Read more about the Rays at DRaysBay. For more in-depth coverage on the other side, visit Indians blog Let's Go Tribe. Go to Baseball Nation for additional news and notes around the league.